Learning is favourite New Year resolution

Computer courses are the most popular

The top New Year resolution is to learn something new, a survey suggests.

More people are keen to pick up new skills than to shed a few kilos, according to a poll of nearly 900 people by ICM.

Of those asked, 44% said they planned to learn something new next year.

The next most popular target was losing weight - chosen by 36% of people, closely followed by the goal of getting fit.

Findings welcomed

Among those aiming to go back to school, computing was the most popular choice of course (30%), followed by foreign languages (22%) and arts and crafts (12%).

The findings have been welcomed by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), which is responsible for all post-16 education in England - other than the university sector.

The organisation's chairman Bryan Sanderson said people were realising how learning enhanced and enriched people's lives.

"Professionally, it can mean more opportunities are open to us, and personally, it boosts our confidence and self esteem. Learning is good for the economy and the nation overall, " he said.

More than half (56%) of those questioned said learning improved confidence, while a similar number (53%) said it was a good way of making new friends.

People also said they thought learning could help them get a better job or promotion (41%) and increase their salary (40%).